iFixit says independent Mac repair is alive and good – for now

Earlier this week, a report explained a new repair policy for MacBook Pro and iMac Pro models with Apple's new T2 chip inside. Essentially, Apple distributed a new repair document among its authorized service providers explaining that a machine would be "useless" after repair unless the proprietary system configuration software was run. This requirement will mean the death of independent Mac repair in many cases.

iFixit has now taken a closer look at the new repair policy, and found a mix of results.

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In a blog post, iFixit explains that laboratory testing has found that "independent (and DIY) repair is alive and good, but it's threatened." The repair experts describe the new system configuration requirement as a kind of ET-phone home-type requirement:

AST 2 is only delivered to Apple stores and a limited selection of "Authorized Apple Service Providers" (AASPs) under strict confidentiality and business contracts, and as describes which parts they can use and what they charge for. This shift will allow third-party repair shops to dry out, not to mention the rest of us who are used to fixing our own hardware.

To test the new requirement, iFixit purchased a new 2018 MacBook Pro, disassembled it and replaced with another 2018 MacBook Pro device. After that repair, both MacBook Pros usually worked, even when they were updated to Mojave.

After that success story, iFixit switched logic board between MacBook Pros and saw the same results. This signals hope for independent Mac repair – at least for the moment.

This service document certainly paints a scary picture, but always optimists, we went down to our friendly local Apple Store and bought a brand new 2018 13 "MacBook Pro Touch Bar device. Then we disassembled it and traded shows with our teardown device from summer. To our surprise, screens and MacBooks usually worked in every combination we tried. We also updated Mojave and swapped logic boards with the same results.

Finally, iFixit explained that although Apple outlined its new requirement in a document sent to technicians this week do not seem to live yet. Of course, a very close software update may cause retroactive rendering of "incomplete repairs" since notes.

iFixit speculates that the software Apple uses in post-repair slots serial number and others shares data as a way of "keeping its authorized network in line." In other words, independent Mac repair can soon be no longer e.

What do you think of Apple's claim that repair claims change? Is it the right move for safety reasons? Let us know in the comments!